Overview & Reviews

Midsize SUVs are some of the best-selling vehicles on the market, as families and singles alike seek out their just-right compromise of space and maneuverability. The GMC Envoy had been among the eligible candidates in this segment since 1998. It was completely redesigned for 2002, and the result was additional size, power and refinement, though the Envoy was still thoroughly eclipsed by its rivals. Its last year of production was 2009.

A platform twin to the Chevy TrailBlazer (as well as Buick, Oldsmobile and Saab models), GMC's Envoy was a traditional body-on-frame SUV offered in two-wheel-drive (2WD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD) configurations. Apart from styling, there were subtle differences between it and the Chevy, however. For example, the Envoy offered an optional rear air suspension (which provided a more isolating ride and balanced out heavy loads), which the TrailBlazer didn't. Engine choices included an inline-6 (with 270-291 horsepower, depending on the year) and on some models, a 5.3-liter V8 (with 300-302 hp, depending on the year).

Among traditional midsize SUVs, the GMC Envoy got lost in the pack. It had all the right features to compete in this segment, as well as a comfortable ride and decent power. But it was sullied by sloppy handing and below-average interior build and materials quality. Furthermore, although the Envoy's safety features looked up to date on paper, the SUV actually performed poorly in crash tests. For some used car shoppers, the Envoy may still be an appealing choice, but most would be better served by its more refined rivals.

Most Recent GMC Envoy Models
The second-generation Envoy debuted for 2002 and didn't change much throughout its 8-year model run. Initially, it was offered only with the 270-hp (increased to 275 hp for '03) inline-6 engine in two body styles: regular five-passenger and extended-wheelbase Envoy XL, which provided seven-passenger seating and considerably more cargo capacity. A 5.3-liter, 300-hp V8 became available on the Envoy XL in 2003 and on the regular Envoy (as part of the Denali trim) for '05. That year also saw head curtain airbags replace the front side bags. A more powerful (291-hp) inline-6 came for '06, as did newly standard stability control and cruise control. The Envoy XL was discontinued for 2007 and the Envoy itself was gone after '09.

The most common trim levels were the base SLE and leather-lined SLT; however, in '05 the ultra-plush Denali trim debuted, bringing standard V8 power, a unique grille treatment, more sound insulation and heated seats.

An unusual model called the GMC Envoy XUV was offered in 2004 and '05. The XUV was an Envoy XL stripped of its third-row seat and fitted with a retractable roof over its cargo bay. The result was a vehicle that could function as both a true SUV and a pickup. In practice, though, the multitalented but odd-looking Envoy XUV proved to be a tough sell to consumers.

The first-generation GMC Envoy was sold from 1998-2000 (there was no '01 model). It was little more than an upscale version of the midsize GMC Jimmy, which debuted in '95, and was equipped much like today's Denali. The extra amount of features didn't mask its aged chassis and old-tech V6, however, and the two together delivered a mushy ride quality and lackluster acceleration at highway speeds. Other complaints included numb steering, a large turning radius and poor brake feel. Although these early Envoys are inexpensive to buy on the used market, subpar reliability keeps us from recommending them, even to buyers interested in an old-school, truck-based SUV.

User Reviews:

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  Not bad! - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Andrew_jad - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Its my first SUV and overall, I like it. GM could make few improvements with better quality interior components such as seats and plastic all over. A better and tightly-fit exterior parts (uneven edges and wide gaps) would make it nicer. Experienced rattling/roving noise after using 2/4WD switch. Dealer couldnt figure out.. happens on and off..

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  Good so far! - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Hartfordguy - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Priced well among same size competitors. Engine is very reactive which is always nice. Fuel capacity is poor as usual. Never understood why they make a car that gets poor gas milage with a 16 gallon gas tank! Interior: Good, only one mistake. For such a roomy interior, they cheaped out on the technology for cup holders. There are 2 cup holders, one undersized jammed in between the console and the shifter, the other behind the shirfter....in the way of the arm rest. other than that, good!

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  Good Start - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By a name - January 17 - 2:00 am

  The Envoy was my choice because of comfort and ride. I owned a 1993 Ford Exporer but the 2002 Explorers had hard seats and a rough ride. Also I didnt like the 3 bucket rear seat the came out with. I was very happy with my 1993 Explorer but Ford needs to address comfort with the new Explores. My disapointments with the Envoy are, When you put the back seat down you cant but the front seat back the way I like to ride. Had rattles, and I dont like the rain sensitive windshild wipers. I also dont like the auto dimming rear view mirror. The cargo space is also smaller than the explorer was. Sound proofing is also disapointing

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  I really thought Id miss my Saab.... - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Patrick Smith - December 23 - 10:00 am

  Had 300 miles on it when I bought it (claimed a dealer trade, but more likely the sales manager using it. In one week Ive intentionally put another 650 miles on it in anticipation of a long highway trip (sideline: Ive always believed for the first 1K miles you shouldnt drive at sustained high speeds while the engine wears in - any mechs. or engs. out there who can verify or debunk?). Except for crummy gas mileage I love everything about this truck so far. I switched from a Saab, so I was accustomed to performance and have not been disappointed.

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  Worth The Money - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Barrraco - November 16 - 2:00 am

  Love this truck. It is roomy, comfortable and fun to drive. Doesnt drive like a truck, but more like a car. Had my Envoy for almost a year and no big problems. Had one recall, no big deal. The dealer fixed it and treated me very, very well. Expected problems with them , but had none. Gas milage sucks. I would buy it again and recommend it to everyone.

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  Great Buggy - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By clancy - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Great drive, good looks, plenty of power, and all kinds of neat bells and whistles.

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  final fix - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By ron jones - October 23 - 2:00 am

  The only thing we did not like about the vehicle was that the passengers seat belt would always lock up and not release. The dealer fixed this with a seat belt extension.

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  Love my ENVOY. - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Barbara Sarco - October 11 - 2:00 am

  I have 24,000 miles on my Envoy. On long trips its a dream (speaking from experience with toy. 4 runner that shook my liver out) Comfortable ride. Great exterior looks.

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  Reliable family truckster w lots of nickel & dimes - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By JJ Bookman - October 3 - 12:26 pm

  Engine and tranny are very reliable but the exterior trim and interior bits require a lot of fixing, typical GM. Body is still holding up well, rear deck lip is getting rusty but still looks good for a 10 year-old car. We drive the hell out of it and it has not let us down yet. Lots of DIY fixing if you are a handy man or shade-tree mechanic. Part are abundant and cheap, something else broke? ebay here I come!

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  Would I buy another? NOT - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By envoyenvy1 - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Sorry I dont buy the first year vehicle excuse. This is a bad reason for poor quality build. While I like the vehicle overall, there have simply been too many problems. weather trim falling off, transmission problems, incredible wind noise problems, etc...and a geat deal of excuses from GM. Oh its suppose to make that much wind noise...Right Im sure the designers set out to accomplish that very fact!